School leaders are under such inspection pressure that lives are being put at "unnecessary risk", a union boss will warn.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the headteachers’ union NAHT, is set to criticise schools watchdog Ofsted at their annual conference in Belfast.
His remarks follow Ofsted's rollout of new inspection report cards in November 2025.
Mr Whiteman will tell NAHT members: “Ofsted does not raise standards, nor does it serve children. You do.
“We are told that anyone who wants a different approach to inspection wants to lower the bar.
“Poppycock! We simply disagree. Inspection should not be about pressurising dedicated professionals to the point of destruction.”
The NAHT attempted to launch a legal challenge to the new system, but it was dismissed at the High Court.
Mr Whiteman is expected to say he welcomes Ofsted agreeing for the impact of the new inspection system on headteachers’ mental health to be monitored.
However, he will add: “I am angry, yes mad as hell, that Ofsted, the Government and the judiciary see fit to allow lives to be left at unnecessary risk right now.
“I say, the education establishment is on notice. On notice that these risks are entirely foreseeable and avoidable. The responsibility for further harm or, God forbid, tragedy, is yours and yours alone.”
Headteacher Ruth Perry took her own life in 2023 after an Ofsted report downgraded her primary school from its highest rating to its lowest over safeguarding concerns.
An inquest into the headteacher’s death found the inspection was a contributory factor.
Single word judgments from Ofsted were subsequently scrapped, and a consultation was undertaken to develop the new system.
Under the report cards, schools do not receive an overall grade, but receive one of five grades on a number of areas – the highest possible grade is “exceptional”.
The teaching unions have raised concerns the new system will continue to put the mental health of school leaders at risk.
Mr Whiteman will advise leaders on Friday not to allow themselves to be defined by the “reductive nature of a two-day snapshot of your school” and warn against the “self-indulgent boasts of those judged exceptional”.
He will also praise some of the Government’s education policies, including the expansion of free school meals, creating Best Start family hubs, removing the two-child benefit cap, and the ambition of its sweeping special educational needs and disabilities (Send) reforms.
However, Mr Whiteman will raise concerns about the delivery of the latter under current funding.
“As prices rise and the basic costs of running a school soar, I am not convinced that the worthy ambitions of the White Paper will be realistic unless proper funding is available,” he will say.
The Government’s reforms to the Send system are backed by £1.6 billion to help schools become more inclusive, as well as £200 million for Send teacher training, and £1.8 billion to create a bank of Send specialists in every area.
Mr Whiteman will also criticise the “politics of hate and division at work across the world”.
Teachers and school leaders challenge those who seek to increase societal divisions, he is expected to say.
“That is why they seek to deny the problems you encounter every day and fail to acknowledge your success,” Mr Whiteman will say.
“By casting you as the enemy, with a continuing deficit narrative, they will routinely and deliberately seek to erode the respect and confidence of parents and communities.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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